We aim to make our website as accessible as possible. However if you use a screen reader and require debt advice you may find it easier to phone us instead. Our phone number is 0 8 0 0 1 3 8 1 1 1 1. Freephone (including all mobiles).
Skip to main content
Search
Close
Log in
Menu
Close
We provide the UK’s most comprehensive debt advice service. Since 1993, we've helped 7.5 million people with debt problems take back control of their finances and their lives.
We advised
183,403
clients in 2023
2:00
Description here
Hi. I'm Kimberley, and I work at StepChange Debt Charity. In this video, I'm here to explain about who we are, how we operate, and how we're funded. At StepChange we're known for providing debt advice that is free, confidential, and impartial.
We were founded in 1993 with a simple aim that no one should have to pay for debt advice. And as a charity, we're proud to say that we've now supported over five million people in the UK.
We help people worried about debt by giving them free advice, and offering debt solutions that can help them write off some, or all of what they owe. Or they could pay it back over a longer period, for example, in a debt management plan. Unlike lots of charities, we're not funded by donations from the public. Most of our funding comes from organisations that lend money or provide credit for their services, like banks, credit card providers, and energy companies.
Some make one-off donations to us, and others pay something called 'fair share'. 'Fair share' just means that if we set up a repayment plan for one of their customers, then some of those companies make a small monthly donation to StepChange for managing the plan. They donate to us because they to do the right thing. They recognise that people in debt need extra support to get back on their feet.
As well as this, we also receive some funding from the Scottish Government. So why do hundreds of thousands of people trust us every year? Because of how we're funded, there must be some kind of catch, right? But there isn't, because we're regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
They make sure that the way we operate and the advice we give is clear, fair, and the best interest of our clients.
And because we're a charity and overseen by the Charity Commission, we are also very careful to make sure that everything we do is ethical.
For over thirty years, we've helped millions of people across the UK and we firmly believe that no one should pay for debt advice when they're already struggling.
So if you think you need help with your debts, visit stepchange.org. Debt happens. Let's deal with it. Thanks for watching.
Annual accounts and regulatory information
Read our regulatory information and find links to our annual reports and accounts from 2010 onwards.
Read the latest reports
Hear from one of our expert debt advisors
"You're not on your own. Help is always at hand at StepChange, and we have many experienced debt advisors who can find you the right solution."
Kirsty's story
Debt happens. We deal with it.
We have helped millions of people since 1993.
Find out how.
- Read our clients' stories
- Read our reviews
"So thankful."
"Wasn't expecting it to be so accessible and easy to get help managing my debt.
Absolute life savers!"
Josh, Feefo Review
.png "About StepChange. The UK's Largest Debt Charity. (34)"){kind=logo}
We are thrilled to partner with Plain Numbers
Plain Numbers work to improve the way numbers and financial concepts are communicated so people can make the right choices. We are always striving to provide the best support for our clients, and this partnership allows us to enhance our services even further.
Stepping forward: Our four-year strategy
Our strategy for 2018-23 reflects the vital need to help the rising number of people facing financial difficulty. Find our how we'll play our part in meeting this need.
Read our strategy
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We believe that our differences, backgrounds and experiences are what make us a better place to work and a more efficient organisation.
Our commitment
Have you been called out of the blue by someone claiming to be from StepChange?
It's likely to be a scam. We will never call you without checking you're happy for us to do so.
Find out more about how to make sure it's us
